THE CHILDREN'S KITCHENS

The Children's Kitchens continue to be not only centres where children receive a healthy and wholesome meal each day, but also places where families receive support and encouragement within the difficult circumstances that surround them. The Parish, through the efforts of Lucia (the parish Social Worker) and the suppport of the Josephite Sisters, continues to be involved in these communal initiatives. Many of the elderly who find themselves semi abandoned also benefit from the Kitchens. Their families have brought them down from the Andes (some only speak Quechuen, not Spanish) to be with them, but as they have to leave home early each day to work in the city, their elderly are left at home to fend for themselves. The Kitchens offer them company and support, as well as much needed nutrition. Thanks to our supporters, The Shared Table not only offers practical and necessary support to so many, it also allows the Church to be seen as witnessing to the basic call of the Gospel: to eleviate hunger, to quench thirst, to clothe the naked, and to be present to those imprisoned by social injustice, fear, ignorance and poverty.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & FORMATION

Lucia Cuentas, the Parish Social Worker, continues to organise a series of workshops for women on a wide range of topics. Health and hygiene, self esteem, communication and conflict resolution are among the various themes that are presented. Many of these women have had only a very basic education. Some cannot read or write. A significant number are victims of domestic violence. These workshops are about human dignity, mutual support and solidarity, and have been a means through which many women have been able to grow in confidence.

THE BAKING WORKSHOP

The Baking Workshop continues to thrive, with more and more mother, young and old, participating weekly. The Baking Workshop receives minimal assistance from the The Shared Table, but is a project that was born out the assistance through The Shared Table and the generosity of the Knights of the Southern Cross, Terang, who made the first donation towards its establishment. The Baking Workshop has given many women, especially young, single mothers, the chance to develop skills in baking and also to generate extra income to support their families. The Workshop is essentially self supporting.

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THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

The Vegetable Garden (Biohuerto) continues to produce and helps to sustain each of the Children's Kitchens. Much of the work is done by the women of Cangallo, and overseen by Senora Trinidad.